DNA Fingerprinting and Forensic Analysis

A series of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to DNA fingerprinting and forensic analysis.

DNA Fingerprint

A unique genetic identity derived from the variation in DNA sequences among individuals.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA found in mitochondria, used for establishing familial relationships.

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

An older method of DNA forensic testing that uses larger DNA samples.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A modern DNA forensic technique that amplifies small amounts of DNA.

Short Tandem Repeats (STR)

Short sequences of DNA repeated throughout the chromosome, used in DNA profiling.

Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs)

Regions of DNA with repeated sequences inherited from parents, utilized for genetic identity.

Chain of Evidence

The documented process of collecting, storing, and handling evidence to maintain its integrity.

Touch DNA

DNA transferred from individuals to surfaces or objects, can be collected from evidence.

Allele

A variant form of a gene defined by the number of repeats within a Short Tandem Repeat.

CODIS

Combined DNA Index System, a database that uses specific STRs for matching DNA profiles.

Differences Between RFLP and PCR

RFLP uses VNRPs and PCR is more sensitive and used STRs (short tandem repeats)

Familial Relationships in DNA Testing

Using DNA fingerprinting methods to establish relationships, such as paternity.

Y-Chromosome Analysis

A method used for tracing male lineages through the paternal line.

Contamination in DNA Evidence

Unwanted DNA introduced into a sample that can compromise the accuracy of results.

Standards of Admissibility in Court

Legal standards used to determine whether scientific evidence can be accepted in trials.

VNRTs Variable Number Tandem Repeats

are repeating sequences of DNA that vary in number among individuals and are non coding, used in DNA profiling for forensics. these are inherited from both parents so each parent has a unique combination.

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

requires larger amounts of non degraded DNA. Based on analyzing minisatellites (longer VNRTs) sequences of non coding regions.

STRs Short Tandem Repeats

macrosatellites used in PCR. shorter repeating sequences of DNA (1 to 6 bases) that are highly variable among individuals, used in forensic DNA profiling due to their ability to provide a unique genetic profile. FBI uses 13 core STR stored in the CODIS a national database used by law enforcement to match DNA profiles.